A Preliminary Research On The Properties Of Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate

In this study, lightweight expanded clay aggregates were produced from clay, waste brick powders, albite flotation waste, and coal at various temperatures ranged from 900-1250 deg C. After production, the physical and microstructural properties of the aggregates were determined. The effect of clay type, treatment (firing) temperature, amount and type of pore forming agent on the water absorption, specific gravity, pore structure, and surface texture of the expanded granules were examined. Test results showed that lightweight aggregates with almost 0% water absorption can be produced from clay by utilising albite flotation waste as a pore forming agent.